The Lighting of the Lodge, The Ritz-Carlton Lodge’s premier holiday event, opens its doors to guests and members of Greene County and its surrounding communities on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. Most details for this nationally-recognized event are provided, except for one: Santa’s Surprise Arrival. Information is being kept secret by event coordinators to avoid any specifics being leaked that may spoil the surprise.

The official word from the North Pole is that Santa is personally coming to Greensboro to help kick off the 2008 Lighting of The Lodge. He and his “Official Grand Entrance Escort” are expected to arrive in time to assist General Manager Stephen Freund officially start the holiday season by flipping the switch that illuminates the 1.5 million white lights strung throughout the trees and draping the façade of the resort. Additional information is sketchy as elves maintain locked lips in regard to who will be Santa’s official escort and how they will arrive into town.

“Santa doesn’t always come by sleigh,” said Steven Freund, general manager, The Ritz-Carlton Lodge. “Lighting of The Lodge attendees have been thrilled in past years with the jolly man’s surprise entrance, arriving by hang-glider, hot-air balloon and on the back of United States Marine Core 7-Ton truck, while eagerly awaiting children scream with excitement. This year, Santa’s arrival is sure to be a most famous and memorable experience. Make sure you have a camera to capture all the special moments of this year’s celebration.”  

Gates open at 4 p.m. and festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. — rain or shine. There is no cover charge for attending the open-air, festive affair. Parking will be available onsite for a $20 fee per vehicle. Complimentary off-site parking with shuttle transportation is available as an option.

A variety of activities have been planned to light up little faces and immerse celebrants in the spirit of the season. Kids will enjoy a living nativity and petting zoo and the “Biggest Gingerbread House in the South. The Ritz-Carlton pastry team, led by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Antony Fernandez, began preparing batches of gingerbread for the holiday display in September, producing a 50-pound batch each day. Chefs will use 200 pounds of honey, 150 pounds of flour and a bucket full of spices to construct the house. With more than 400 pounds of icing to top it all off, decorations boast 1,500 gingerbread cookies and 200 pounds of candies. The House will be 10 feet wide and 14 feet high and be assembled in the resort’s Lobby Lounge.

Silent auction, live auction and raffle drawings held throughout the event will benefit local charitable organizations including the Greensboro Dreamers’ Scholarship Fund, a local affiliate of the I Have a Dream Foundation. The raffle and auctions feature an outstanding selection of items from the area’s finest companies, artwork by extraordinary artists, unique luxury experiences and exciting vacations and include trips to Ritz-Carlton Hotels including Cancun, Kapalua, Amelia Island, St. Thomas, San Francisco, Orlando, Sarasota, New Orleans, and Boston; golf at Reynolds Plantation and a private golf lesson with Charlie King; autographed sports paraphernalia and behind-home-plate seats at an Atlanta Braves game; lavish spa services; and a Thomas Arvid signed and numbered piece of artwork. Raffle tickets will be available at the event for $5.

For additional information on The Lighting of The Lodge and for overnight accommodations, please call toll free (800) 241-3333, (706) 467-0600 or visit the resort’s website at www.ritzcarltonlodge.com.